Talking of 8+I, keep looking out for the very rare 1873 (sic) 8+I too. Unrecorded originally in Freeman, it is now mentioned in Appendix 4 of the reprinted version. Dracott records 3 specimens seen, and here's a fourth: (obverse to follow)
Good shout - I think you're right. But hopefully Dr Larry can post a better picture in due course. 1874 8+I is much rarer than Freeman lists, I'm convinced!
I'd say an 8 on this one, as I can only see 2 single berries below the 2nd group of leaves whereas on a 9, there is a double and a single. But agreed, a clearer photo would help.
Very pleased with this 1874 penny - F65 in top UNC grade with probably 90% lustre, ever so lightly toning. Just £250 as a BIN. These are obviously not desperately rare, but they don't turn up every 5 minutes, and definitely not in this grade. Looking back at other sales of similar grade, the price compares very favourably.